Perth, Australia: Globally renowned crop scientist and agricultural innovator Professor Rajeev K. Varshney has been recognised as one of the world’s leading agricultural changemakers after being named a 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneer (TAP) by the World Food Prize Foundation.
Professor Varshney, Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch University, Australia, is among 40 innovators selected from across the globe to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize. The cohort represents 30 countries across six continents and recognises individuals who are advancing practical, science-driven solutions to improve global food and nutrition security.
The TAP recognition honours pioneers whose work is transforming agriculture and food systems through scientific innovation, leadership and measurable impact. Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has evolved into a global network of innovators committed to strengthening food systems and accelerating progress towards a more food-secure future.
Professor Varshney has spent more than three decades advancing crop genomics, breeding and agricultural innovation. His research has contributed to the development and delivery of more than 300 improved crop varieties, particularly legumes and cereals, benefiting millions of smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa. His pioneering work in genomics-assisted breeding, pangenomics and haplotype-based breeding has accelerated crop improvement and strengthened food systems in some of the world’s most vulnerable agricultural regions.
Reacting to the recognition, Professor Varshney described the honour as a reflection of collective achievement rather than individual success.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be recognised as a Top Agri-food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of many outstanding colleagues, students, collaborators, partners and institutions that I have had the privilege to work with throughout my career. Together, we have translated advances in genomics, breeding and agricultural innovation into improved crops, stronger food systems and better livelihoods for farmers around the world.”
Professor Varshney acknowledged the support of the institutions that have shaped his scientific journey, including Murdoch University, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the CGIAR Generation Challenge Programme, IPK Leibniz Institute, and India’s Chaudhary Charan Singh University and Aligarh Muslim University.
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He also expressed gratitude to Dr Hugo Campos de Quiroz, Deputy Director General – Research and Development at the International Potato Center (CIP), who nominated him for the award.
Congratulating Professor Varshney, Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said, “Professor Varshney has always been passionate about delivering tangible research results that support efforts to usher in a globally food-secure future. He has established himself as one of Australia’s most exceptional agricultural researchers, whose impact on breeders, farmers and consumers continues to shape outcomes across the globe. I warmly congratulate him on another well-deserved recognition.”
Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood added, “Professor Varshney’s recognition as a Top Agri-food Pioneer reflects both his scientific excellence and his commitment to developing innovative solutions to global food security challenges. Through his leadership at Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, he continues to drive research that delivers real benefits for farmers, food systems and communities in Australia and around the world. We are immensely proud of his achievements and this well-deserved international recognition.”
Professor Varshney currently leads several major international and Australian research initiatives focused on improving crop productivity, climate resilience, nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. His work has generated globally significant genomic resources and breeding innovations that continue to transform crop improvement worldwide.
The 2026 TAP cohort will be formally recognised during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, later this year, where global leaders in agriculture, science and policy will gather to discuss solutions to some of the world’s most pressing food security challenges.
For Professor Varshney, the recognition is both a milestone and a motivation. “This honour is a reminder that there is still much work to be done. I look forward to continuing this journey with colleagues and partners around the world in pursuit of a more food-secure, sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.
“Agricultural science stalwarts such as Dr Norman Borlaug, Professor MS Swaminathan and Dr Gurdev Khush have been my greatest inspirations. Their vision, leadership, and commitment to improving farmers’ lives played a significant role in my decision to dedicate my career to applying genomics and genetics to the fight against global food insecurity. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue contributing to that mission,” Professor Varshney added.
